Dear Will ,
October is upon us. The sun is setting earlier each day marking the transition from summer to winter and signaling the arrival of fall - and the second installment of the mid-term elections. This year's General Election (which by the way is Tuesday, November 2, 2010) contains a statewide ballot measure of great interest to the profession (Proposition 23). In summary, Proposition 23 suspends the implementation of California's greenhouse gas reduction law (AB 32), requiring major sources of emissions to report and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, until unemployment drops to 5.5 percent or less for full year. The profession has been supportive of the goals of AB 32 so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the AIACC Board of Directors would take an oppose position on Proposition 23. Proponents of Prop 23 argue that is saves jobs - more than a million to be specific. I'm not sure if that's true, or even which jobs would be saved, but I can tell you that on both a national and statewide level, through efforts like the 2030 Challenge and the new CALGreen building code, the profession has made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions created by the built environment. Finally, I suspect that just as we received comments questioning the AIACC's efforts to promote CALGreen, we'll hear from those questioning its opposition to Proposition 23. Dialog is good and I want to hear from those who are concerned. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best Regards,  Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIACC, LEED GA Interim, AIACC Executive Vice President |
| | Practice Advisory
Governor Signs Legislation on Duty to Defend
With his signature on SB 972, Governor Schwarzenegger changed the statutory obligation for design professionals to defend their local government clients. SB 972 was introduced in response to the recent Crawford and UDC California court decisions. David Barker, Esq, with Collins Collins Muir + Stewart LLP, has written an article on SB 972 and how it will affect design professionals. Click here to read his article. Click here to continue readingClass Action Lawsuit Filed Against USGBC
A class action law suit has been filed against the USGBC and its founders personally on behalf of "consumers, taxpayers, building design and construction professionals." The suit alleges fraud, false advertising, an anti-trust claim and RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) violations. In short, the lawsuit is based on a theory that the USGBC has falsely claimed that its rating system makes buildings more energy efficient, and that building owners have needlessly wasted money having their buildings LEED Certified, that professionals have gotten worthless professional credentials and people in general have been deceive into thinking LEED has meaning. To view the complaint click here
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| Legislative Update
AIA Member-Initiated Program Recognized as "Bright Idea"
The StepUp2Green (SU2G) program, created by Michael Waxer, AIA, in partnership with the Monterey County Business Council, was recently named a "Bright Idea" by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School. Bright Ideas recognizes creative and promising government programs and partnerships with public sector, nonprofit, and academic communities. Click here to continue readingProposition 22 - The AIACC Urban Design Committee's Opinion
The AIACC Urban Design Committee has long held the opinion that the state's money raid on local governments, redevelopment agencies, and transportation agencies during times of state financial difficulties has harmed the ability of local jurisdictions to fund programs and development that improves the livability of our communities. That is why the Urban Design Committee believes Proposition 22, on this November's ballot, is a measure that should be supported by California architects. Proposition 22 prohibits the state from delaying the tax funds for transportation, redevelopment, or local government projects. It protects their funding, allowing them to better plan their projects that improve our communities, and to carry out those projects. For more information on Proposition 22, click here.AIACC Sponsored Bill Signed Into Law
AB 1746, The AIACC sponsored and California Architects Board (CAB) supported bill to change how architects report compliance with the disability access continuing education requirement, was signed into law by the governor. Beginning with the 2013 renewal cycle, architects will no longer have to submit the "coursework provider documentation" forms to the CAB along with their renewal application. Click here to continue reading
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| Qualifications Based Selection (QBS)
Whose Doing What The Council's QBS enforcement efforts greatly depend on the assistance of members. Each month, the AIACC receives a number of RFP's/RFQ's that violate Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) law by illegally using fee as part of the selection process in hiring an architect for a public project. These RFP's/RFQ's are issued mostly by local agencies and school districts that are either unaware of QBS law, or simply choose to ignore it. Click here here to continue reading |
| Benefits of Membership
Why Choose State Fund Over Other Workers Compensation Providers?State Fund provides coverage at minimum cost, and is open to all companies regardless of size or history. Emphasis is placed on customized loss control services, medical cost management, and providing benefits quickly. Local offices, round-the-clock reporting centers, free educational support, no-cancel policies, and interest- free payments, all add up to providing California employers maximum value for their dollar. Join The AIACC/State Fund Group #707 today. If you qualify, apply the 6% annual premium discount, and your savings are assured, thus freeing up dollars to be spent elsewhere. Click here to continue reading Important changes in employee notification requirementsThe California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) recently revised employer notification requirements which go into effect on October 8, 2010. The DWC's objectives for the amended regulations are to streamline the employee Medical Provider Network (MPN) notices and procedures, update the employee information provided to workers, and reduce the administrative burden and costs in California's workers' compensation system. Click here to continue reading AIACC Video LibraryVisit www.aiacc.org "State Fund" to access videos designed to provide you, as an employer, information on conducting safety in and around the office and the impact of workers compensation fraud on California businesses. |
| Council News
2010 Design Awards/2011 Council AwardsAIACC will celebrate the 2010 Design Award recipients at The Annual Awards & Installation Celebration on November 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Solage Calistoga. 39 awards will be presented for Architecture, Interior Architecture, Urban Design and Small Projects. The 2011 Firm Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Distinguished Practice Awards will also be presented. 2010 Achievement AwardsThe 2010 Achievement Awards jury met on October 6th to review 14 entries in the following categories: Allied Professions Honor award, Excellence in Education Honor Award, Client Achievement Honor Award, Community Housing & Assistance Honor Award, and Research & Technology Honor Award. Jurors for this awards program include members of AIACC's Executive Committee. Award recipients will be honored at the Annual Awards & Installation Celebration on November 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Solage Calistoga. Professional Practice/Practice Series ReportAIACC's inaugural Practice Series Report will be released in October. The Report is a progression of discussion papers designed to address priority issues and concerns as identified by a survey of California architects. The Practice Series offers varying perspectives and mitigation responses suggested by experts, consultants, architects, and other allied professionals who, through their own experiences and observations, add value to the conversations. AIACC encourages you to share your opinions. Simply email practice@aiacc.org or Find us on Facebook to respond to The Professional Practice Series Report member question. Responses may be published in the upcoming issue. Continuing Education ProgramEffective January 1, 2011, all newly constructed residential, commercial, school and hospital buildings must comply with new California Green Building Codes. The AIACC and aecKnowledge have partnered to offer online continuing education programming, making it easier and more convenient than ever to earn AIA/CES learning units. The Accessibility courses fulfill the required 5 AIA/CES units for California licensure and the new CALGreen courses allow you to earn up to 5 AIA/CES HSW/SD learning units. It's simple - go online, select your course, participate at your convenience, and answer a ten question quiz. Prices range from $25-$60 for AIA members. All courses will be available at aiacc.org or aecKnowledge.com beginning October 18, 2010. AccessibilityDisabilities Access for DwellingsPresented by Kerwin Lee, AIA, CASp, Senior Consulting Architect Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.; 1.5 AIA/CES HSW LUs Accessible Public Accommodations Presented by Kerwin Lee, AIA, CASp, Senior Consulting Architect Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.; 1.5 AIA/CES HSW LUs Stepping thru Vertical Heights Presented by Janice Kent, AIA, CASp, Certified Access Specialist Stepping Through Accessibility; 2 AIA/CES HSW LUs CALGreenCALGreen 101 Presented by Dave Walls, Executive Director, California Building Standards Commission; 1 AIA/CES HSW/SD LU CALGreen 2010 Non-Residential Measures: An Overview for Architects and Other California Building Industry Professionals Presented by Lynn Simon, FAIA, LEED AP, President & Bill Worthen, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President, Simon & Associates, Inc.; 1.5 AIA/CES HSW/SD LUs CALGreen for Residential Buildings: Mandatory Measures and Recommended StrategiesPresented by Lynn Simon, FAIA, LEED AP, President & Bill Worthen, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President; 1.5 AIA/CES HSW/SD LUs |
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Proposition 23 - Why You Should Just Vote NoProposition 23 is a dangerous measure on the November ballot that would have a direct and negative impact on the health of our state's economy, its environment, and citizens. If passed, Proposition 23 would effectively repeal California's landmark clean energy and air pollution control law, AB 32, which reduces air pollution that threatens human health and has helped make California a leader in clean energy and technology investments and jobs. Click here to read more. |
 Message from the the State Architect Chip Smith, AIA With the end of the year rapidly approaching, the Division of the State Architect (DSA) is preparing for the implementation of California's 2010 Building Code. As of January 1, 2011, new Title 24 building standards including California's Green Building Code and DSA's new streamlined community college code option will be in effect. Click here to continue reading |
SAVE THE DATE! 2011 MONTEREY DESIGN CONFERENCE The conference is scheduled for October 7-9, 2011. For additional information find us on  Facebook, visit us at www.aiacc.org or contact us at events@aiacc.org. |
Passings Joseph Ehrlich, FAIA Long regarded as one of the pioneering "Silicon Valley" architects, passed away on September 21, 2010 at age 90. Born and raised in Manhattan, New York City, he spent his formative years during the Great Depression which, by his own admission, challenged him to never experience anything like it again. He graduated from City College of New York in 1941. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in World War II. In 1946 he attended the Architecture School at IIT. In 1968 he created a firm with Jack R Ominger and Rod Heft which became the design force for the emerging electronic companies in the area now known as "Silicon Valley." Throughout his career, Joe was always involved with the community and his fellow architects. His involvement with the American Institute of Architects, his leadership for the Museum of American Heritage, and his generous charitable givings were ever-present. . |
AIA Chapter Events AIA East Bay 10/18/10 Revit User Group: Mission Critical - Navisworks for Architects 10/20/10 Member Appreciation Party and Annual Business Meeting 10/22/10 Committee on the Environment Forum: Life Cycle Tower 10/28/10 Pleasanton Program: Construction Phase Risk Management AIA San Diego 10/15/10 AIASD's Committee on the Environment (COTE-SD) Meeting 10/21/10 AIASD's DesignD.I.V.A. Committee Meeting 10/22/10 Emerging Professionals Commission presents... IDP/CIDP Workshop 10/28/10 October BARchitecture AIA San Francisco 10/15/10 CALGreen Workshop (4 SDs) 10/19/10 An Evening with Ray Kappe, FAIA AIA Redwood Empire 10/21/10 CALGreen Code Seminar AIA Santa Clara Valley 11/4/10 Disability Access Seminar: Comparison of the 2010 Accessibility Code to the New ADA Standards AIA Sierra Valley 10/21/10 2010 Modesto International Architecture Festival 10/22/10 The Impact of Architecture on The Livability of a City 10/22/10 Analyzing Our Community Through Design 10/23/10 Livable Communities and Sustainable Landscape Design 10/23/10 Enhancing Design Through Photography Self-Guided Walking Tour 10/22/10 Religious Architecture 10/23/10 Downtown Modesto
For information on these upcoming click here |
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